Setup nonprofit

Instead, we freely share lots of information here on our website and encourage you to consult with local expertise either an attorney, accountant, or someone very familiar with tax-exempt law and how charitable organizations operate in your state to ensure that the new nonprofit you form complies with state and local requirements, as well as federal laws.

We encourage you to read the information we share in all five steps below before making a decision to start a nonprofit. We also encourage you to consider whether identifying a fiscal sponsor to "incubate" your nonprofit idea would be more practical, and less expensive, than starting a new organization. Here's a video about fiscal sponsorship. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with state-specific requirements for registration for fundraising purposes and find out what opportunities are available through your local state association of nonprofits.

This article was written by Jennifer Mueller, JD. Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 50, times. Whether you want to help build and strengthen your own community, are inspired by the giving of others, or feel called to provide aid in a national or international crisis, you may have a desire to start a nonprofit organization.

The initial process of setting up your organization is relatively simple, although if you want to incorporate and enjoy tax-exempt status, you must comply with more complex record-keeping and reporting requirements. For example, you may want to help provide food for the homeless or help homeless people find jobs. If it turns out that other organizations are already at work on your issue, consider joining forces to make a bigger impact. Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers.

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Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Choose a general category for the services or assistance you want to provide. While you already may have a general idea of the type of nonprofit organization you want to start, categorizing can help you focus your efforts. For example, suppose you want to help the homeless in your city. There are many different ways you can help the homeless, such as by providing food or shelter or helping with a job search.

Categorization also will help you identify the types of assistance you'll need. For example, if you want to help homeless people navigate the legal system, you will need lawyers who are willing to volunteer their time and professional expertise. On the other hand, if you want to provide food and shelter, you'll have to find a location and secure applicable permits to operate. Find out what services are already available. If you want to make sure your organization truly makes a difference, you need to be sure your efforts aren't duplicating those of someone else.

Evaluating pre-existing nonprofits also can help you find nearby organizations that have missions that relate to yours. These organizations may be willing to work with you or stage joint events to bring awareness to the larger issue and help more people.

Conduct surveys to locate demand. Too good to be true? The best kept secret, right? As I continue this adventure, I may be inspired to share more of good learnings and insights. One last thing, a shout out to Breaking Taboo. Several months ago, I noticed that they were receiving tax-deductible donations via Social Good Fund. Then when I felt motivated and inspired to look into this a bit more recently, I discovered a whole new world!

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